Jill Sobule performing during the Concert For America 2025 in Los Angeles in January. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Jill Sobule, the trailblazing singer-songwriter behind the 1995 hits “I Kissed a Girl” and “Supermodel,” has passed away at the age of 66, leaving behind a vibrant legacy that changed the face of pop music.

Sobule’s life was tragically cut short early Thursday morning in a house fire, her publicist confirmed. Born in Denver, Sobule rose to prominence with her self-titled 1995 album, which produced the groundbreaking single “I Kissed a Girl”—the first openly LGBTQ-themed song to break into the Billboard Top 20. Her infectious anthem “Supermodel,” also from the same album, became a cultural touchstone after its iconic feature in the hit film “Clueless,” cementing Sobule’s place in 90s pop history.

Jill Sobule performing at the Jail Guitar Doors All-Star Fundraising Concert in Los Angeles in 2014.
Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Described by her manager as “a force of nature and a passionate advocate for human rights,” Sobule’s influence extended far beyond her chart successes. Her music, spanning over three decades and twelve albums, fearlessly tackled topics like the death penalty, body image, and LGBTQ+ issues. She shared the stage with legends such as Neil Young, Cyndi Lauper, and Tom Morello, always bringing her signature wit and warmth to every performance.

Sobule’s career began in the early 1990s with her debut album “Things Here are Different,” produced by the iconic Todd Rundgren. Her unique voice and storytelling quickly set her apart, with songs like “Too Cool to Fall in Love” capturing listeners’ hearts.

After releasing “California Years” in 2009, Sobule took a step back from the spotlight, only to return almost a decade later with her final album, “Nostalgia Kills,” in 2018. Reflecting on her hiatus, she once joked that she was her own “procrastinatrix,” but ultimately rediscovered her passion for music and live performance. “I love telling the stories of the songs,” she said, embracing the joy that first drew her to music.

At the time of her passing, Sobule was preparing to perform in Colorado, with concerts scheduled throughout the summer and fall—a testament to her enduring connection with fans and her unflagging creative spirit.

A formal memorial will be held later this year to celebrate Jill Sobule’s extraordinary life and lasting impact. She is survived by her brother, sister-in-law, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of friends and admirers who will cherish her memory and music for years to come.